Books from Denmark

STIG DALAGER has published more than 50 works in all literary genres. His novels and drama are published in 26 countries. He has won international praise – especially for his portraits of historic figures like Marie Curie, Hans Christian Andersen and Raoul Wallenberg.

Woman of a Century

Dalager envisions the relationship between the German-born Stuart Princess Elisabeth of Bohemia, one of Europe's first female philosophers, and French philosopher René Descartes. It is a philosophical novel, and a portrait of both a friendship and an erotic affair. Elisabeth became a passionate and influential woman in Europe in the 17th century, known for her ideas about the importance of free will, having lived from an early age in the open society of the Netherlands because of her family's decisive role in the Thirty Years’ War and the English Civil War.

It is as well a journey to the dramatic Baroque period, to a time where both the universe and mind of man suddenly seemed limitless, and new philosophical theories began to spread. The two lovers and friends share their in-depth explorations of the mind, nature and the infinity of the universe.

Dalager has a liking for historical strong women and an admirable ability to let their struggles reflect timeless and universal issues.One could easily argue that the novel indirectly is about contemporary religious wars, the ongoing women’s struggle in gender Orthodox countries and the fumbling existential debate of our time.

The historical time, the philosophical debate, women’s liberation and (platonic) love are the spices in a tasty stew, which can only be recommended.